Associate Director of Communications

PURPOSE STATEMENT

Ayuda seeks a strategic and forward-thinking Associate Director of Communications to help lead and grow a comprehensive communications and marketing function that advances our mission to provide legal, social, and language access services to low-income immigrants. Reporting to the Director of Development & Communications, this role guides integrated communications strategies across digital platforms, social media, media relations, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring consistent, values-driven messaging and strengthening Ayuda’s position as a trusted voice for immigrant communities in the DC–Maryland–Virginia region.

The Associate Director has primary responsibility for day-to-day communications strategy execution and operational oversight, while partnering with the Director on long-term vision, institutional alignment, and organizational positioning. This role supervises the Communications Manager and oversees daily communications operations, contributing to sustained brand growth, audience development, and the strengthening of Ayuda’s communications infrastructure to support long-term impact.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

Ayuda is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA.

WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB?

Because, just like everyone at Ayuda, you believe:

• In seeing communities where all immigrants succeed and thrive in the United States.
• In the overall success of our organization and all our programs.
• That families should be healthy and safe from harm.
• That all people should have access to professional, honest, and ethical services, regardless of ability to pay or status in this country.
• That diversity and equality make this country better.

WHAT WILL THIS JOB ENTAIL?

Strategic Communications & Marketing

• Serve as a key support to the Director of Development and Communications, providing leadership and decision-making backup as needed for the Communications team.
• Partner with the Director to co-develop and implement Ayuda’s communications and marketing strategy.
• Drive integrated campaigns across digital platforms, email, social media, earned media, and external partnerships.
• Ensure consistency of voice, brand integrity, and mission-aligned messaging across all channels.

Digital Marketing & Social Media

• Lead Ayuda’s digital marketing and social media strategy, including audience growth, platform engagement, content planning, and performance measurement.
• Optimize digital content to enhance visibility, donor engagement, and stakeholder interaction.
• Use analytics and performance data to refine strategies and demonstrate impact.

Content & Editorial Leadership

• Serve as editorial lead for major communications deliverables (e.g., annual reports, newsletters, press releases, advocacy materials, web content).
• Oversee content produced by the Communications Manager and external vendors, ensuring quality and alignment with organizational values.
• Apply ethical, trauma-informed storytelling frameworks to protect and respect client voices.

Media Relations & Public Engagement

• Advance media relations strategies, including pitching to press, preparing spokespeople, and coordinating interviews.
• Lead or coordinate crisis communications planning and rapid-response messaging in collaboration with leadership.
• Track media coverage and derive insights that guide strategic refinement.

Cross-Department Collaboration & Capacity Building

• Collaborate with Development, Programs, Leadership, and Operations to ensure communications elevate program visibility, fundraising, and advocacy.
• Provide guidance to organizational leadership on best practices in internal communications and develop and strengthen processes regarding internal communications to facilitate clear and cohesive messaging to staff.
• Build internal capacity by training staff on effective messaging, story development, and audience engagement.

Supervision & Operations

• Develop and manage the communications budget in partnership with the Director.
• Supervise and mentor the Communications Manager, providing guidance, performance management, and professional development.
• Oversee workflows, content calendars, and project timelines.
• Manage vendor relationships (designers, digital consultants, etc.)

This position will be based primarily in our DC office, but will require occasional visits to the Virginia and Maryland office. This position is hybrid and will include both in-person and remote workdays.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN DO THIS JOB?

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain proper work authorization throughout employment.
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position presented in a general office environment.

Qualifications:

The following qualifications are the qualities, experiences, and skills we seek in a candidate. Candidates who don't feel that they meet every single qualification, but who still believe they’d be the right fit for this role, are encouraged to consider applying!

We're eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways -- not just candidates who check all the boxes.

• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or related fields, including experience in nonprofit, advocacy, or other mission-driven organizations.
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or personnel management experience, including coaching, evaluation, and staff development.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing integrated communications and marketing strategies across digital, social media, email, web, and earned media channels.
• Experience building or scaling communications systems, workflows, campaigns, or brand strategy within a growing organization.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex legal, policy, or programmatic work into clear, compelling, and values-driven messaging.
• Experience contributing to media relations efforts, including drafting press materials and supporting spokesperson preparation.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing, audience engagement, and performance analytics.
• Demonstrated experience leveraging nonprofit CRM systems, content management systems (CMS), and digital marketing platforms to inform strategy and measure performance.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, balance strategic and tactical responsibilities, and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
• Deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and immigrant justice, with experience applying trauma-informed and client-centered storytelling practices.

Preferred

• Experience in direct-service nonprofit organizations, particularly in legal services, immigration, or social services.
• Experience aligning communications strategy with fundraising and development initiatives.
• Knowledge of a second language spoken by our clients, with Spanish language skills preferred. Other examples include Amharic, Arabic, Tagalog, French, and Portuguese.
• Experience working in multilingual environments.

We are proud of the benefits we can offer that include:

• Platinum-level medical insurance plan 100% employer-paid
• Dental and vision insurance 100% employer paid
• Long-term disability insurance 100% employer paid
• Life and AD&D insurance 100% employer paid
• Pre-tax 401(k) with Employer match on first 3% of salary
• Vacation Days: 21 days per year until year 3, 27 per year in years 3-7 and 33 days per year after 7 years employment. Employees begin with 3 days of vacation leave.
• New employees begin with 5 days of Health & Wellness (sick) leave and accrue an additional 5 hours per pay period plus emergency medical leave up to 12 weeks per year
• 12 weeks paid parental leave
• 24 days paid holidays and staff wellness days, including Winter Break, the last week of the year
• Job-related professional development fees (including annual state bar dues and professional memberships)
• Flexible work schedules

Employees with federal student loan debt may be eligible to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Department of Education. For more information, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.

This position is exempt for overtime purposes.